Canna Lily

Canna lily does not belong to the family of lilies, but a genus of nineteen species of flowering plants, and has the likes of the banana and ginger in its family. Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Southern America, canna lilies can be found growing all over the world. This hardy perennial herb will grow well in USDA zones 7 to 11.

Canna lilies grows tall as compared to their counterparts; 4 to 6 feet in height, and a spread which is vast. The plant is popular for its large attractive foliage, and equally large attractive flowers. The leaves bear a close resemblance to banana leaves; broad, flat and alternate leaves that grow out of a stem in a long narrow roll and then unfurl as they begin to mature. The foliage is a bright green, but new cultivars have reddish-brown or burgundy colored leaves with yellow or green streaks passing through them. The plant is borne out of a rhizomatous rootstock and seeds. The flowers have vibrant colors of orange, red-orange and yellow, blooming through late spring to early fall.

Planting Canna Lilies: The plant can be easily propagated through its seeds, bulbs, tubers or through division of rhizomes and tissue culture. Sow canna seeds directly in the intended location or in Styrofoam cups in a moist sowing medium. The seeds will germinate within a week's time. Although canna lilies can be grown in large containers, it is not recommended as they grow fast and tend to crowd the container. Divide roots during spring time and plant them in a sunny spot in well draining soil. Alter the soil composition with plenty of organic matter. Maintain soil pH at 6.1 to 7.5. Dig a hole deep enough to contain the entire root ball, and mulch around it to keep the soil moist. Space canna plants two feet apart. Water them well as they tend to dry out fast, besides they love plenty of moisture.

Caring for Canna Lilies: This plant blooms as soon as it are established. Sunlight is the key to their bright color. Feed canna with liquid fertilizer, once the flower buds begin to appear. If you want to collect to seeds, let the flower wilt and dry on the plant itself, else remove deadheads to prolong the bloom period. Prune away all yellow leaves. There are hardly any pests or diseases that infect a canna, except the powdery mildew, which is quite easy to get rids off. Canna lilies tend to be quite invasive, so one needs to control their growth to keep them in shape. A hard prune to control a canna will not affect its viability.

Canna lilies are mostly left in grown before they resume flowering next season, but if you plan to use the space for other flowers, store canna seeds or rhizomes in a mesh bag. Canna lilies can begin into an attractive hedge, but a regular prune is needed to keep it in shape and maintain height. The flowers as well its foliage can be used for large floral arrangements. So, go ahead, and bloom the color of the sun!